In a quiet estate on the edge of the capital, far from the palace buzz, Cedric sat before a fireplace, running a silver ring between his fingers.
"She trusts you again," he said calmly.
Sephrina, across from him, folded her arms. "She's obsessed with her wedding plans. It wasn't hard."
"And Lucien?"
"He's too distracted. His whole mind is on keeping her safe, making sure everything goes smoothly. He wants the people to trust the Ashbourne name again."
Cedric gave a small smile. "Then let him have peace—for now."
Sephrina leaned forward. "What do you want me to do at the wedding?"
"Nothing obvious," Cedric replied. "The wedding will happen. Let them believe they've won. But during the celebration, when all eyes are on them, that's when we begin."
Sephrina's eyes narrowed. "What begins?"
He finally looked up. "A new order."
By sunset, Isadora was sitting with her maidens, going over the final gown fitting.
